Just waxing

[num]

The thread about who tunes your skis got me thinking...

Can anyone point me to a good resource for learning to wax your own skis? About how much would it cost to get the things I'd need to start up? Is there anything to keep in mind about when to wax in relation to when the edges get sharpened? In the learn to wax things I've seen they've said before you start waxing, sharpen your edges, but I'm wondering how that should factor in if the edges are only gonna be getting done at the shop.

 

[volklgirl]

You need an iron that will hold a constant temp - an old household iron will work (use foil to cover the base if it has holes for steam), but not a travel iron (their temps fluctuate too much). The iron should be just hot enough to melt the wax. If the wax starts to smoke, it's too hot.

You need a plastic scraper - about $4-6 USD (although an old credit card will work in a pinch).

For wax, Hertel Hot Sauce is cheap and works well in all but the very coldest and very warmest/wettest conditions. $19 + S & H will get you the St Louis Brick which is enough for many, many, many waxes. They are here: www.hertelskiwax.com

Wax every 3-5 ski days, more often if you're on manmade or icy snow. If your bases are black, they should appear slippery, smooth, wet, and glossy black. If they start to look or feel 'hairy', 'rough', or 'whiteish', it's definitely time to wax.

There really isn't much relationship between waxing and tuning in my experience. I can go anywhere from 1 to 6 waxings before my edges need work, depending on the snow conditions and what kind of crap I run over :o .

There are bunches of ways to wax - some use more wax then others. Let me know if you'd like me to go over our quicky wax guide.

Good Luck!!

 

[num]

Looks like waxing would be affordable enough for me to start up. I'm very excited about showing my skis some love :D

There are bunches of ways to wax - some use more wax then others. Let me know if you'd like me to go over our quicky wax guide.

Please do! Any information is much appreciated.

 

[volklgirl]

3 waxing methods

Use a giant rubber band around 1 brake arm, over the back of the binding, then over the other brake arm to hold the brakes back (we use the ones that come on raw broccoli or cauliflower). Flip the ski upside down (obviously) onto the back of 2 really heavy chairs or something else that will support both ends (unless you happen to have a work bench with a vise).

The most wax usage, but the best coverage and the easiest: heat the iron just so the wax melts, then holding the wax bar to the iron above the ski, run a string of drips down one side of the base then up the other. This should give you enough wax to cover the ski easily. Working from tip-to-tail and keeping the iron moving constantly, iron the wax into the base until the ski is covered completely and evenly. Set this ski aside and do the other one. When you're done waxing the 2nd one, put the first one back up on your "bench". Again, working from tip-to-tail, use the scraper to remove all the wax you just put on. Seems stupid, doesn't it ? You only want to leave on the wax that actually soaked into the base of the ski. Scrape the other one. You're done!

Some wax waste and 2nd easiest: Rub the cold wax bar vigorously over the entire ski until the ski is completely covered with waxy guck - this is called 'crayoning' the wax on. Then iron and scrape as above.

No wax waste but the most difficult: As above, crayon the wax into the ski. Then with a cork ($3-10 USD) or a very thick, rough towel, rub vigorously with lots of pressure from tip-to-tail until the ski is smooth and shiny. This is seriously hard work!

Here's a link with pics: https://www.slidewright.com/photo.php

If your skis are really dirty or 'gooky' looking (like from midwest spring snow), you may need to clean your skis before beginning. You can use a citrus-based 'base cleaner', or just apply a thick coat of wax and scrape and rub thoroughly while the wax is still hot from the iron.

That's the basics! It's easy :D !! Have fun.

 

[num]

Thanks volklgirl.

I'm on it!